"Out of the Fire" Film Screening and Gallery Open House

Out of the Fire is a heartwarming film about art-making, chance-taking, and the importance of following your dreams.

Join potter Kevin Crowe, his apprentice Krista Loomans, and their dedicated crew as they complete a four day, high-temperature wood-kiln firing of approximately 2000 clay pots. In this firing, six months worth of Kevin's work—and income—are at stake. Stoking wood into the kiln every 10 minutes for four days straight, the teams work in shifts to achieve unique surfaces on their pots, surfaces enhanced by fire marks and melted wood ash.

But this inspiring film is not just about making pots. It is also about a way of life, following your heart, and forging an individual life path. The film celebrates the drive to create, the importance of community, and the roles of risk-taking, authenticity, and focus in creating a fulfilling life.

Kevin produces wood-fired functional stoneware with strong Asian and English roots at his Tye River pottery studio. His work ranges from 4” tea bowls to 48” vases. Kevin's pots are fired in a 450 cubic foot, 3- chamber combination anagama and noborigama kiln. Firings last several days, consuming 8 cords of wood and firing up to 2000 pots. The kiln is fired twice a year when the moon is right and it's not soccer season.

Out of the Fire was produced and directed by Courtenay Singer. The film has been invited to screen at 17 film festivals, and received a Bronze Remi Award from WorldFest Houston.

In addition to the film screening and discussion, there will be refreshments, food by Claudia Gibson Catering, an exhibit of Kevin’s work, and a gallery open house with the Rockfish River Gallery, K Robins Designs, the Virginia Rock Shop, and Lauler Artworks.

Doors open at 6pm for food and refreshments; the screening begins at 7pm. Seating is limited, so please contact us at 434-361-0100 or rockfishcc@gmail.com to reserve a seat.